THE DEAD SOUTH
2025 Bell’s Beer Garden Summer Concert SeriesThis is a 18 and over event. 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian The Dead South have never been about constant reinvention, but about full commitment to their own singular way. With confidence in their sound and style and trust in each other, The Dead South arrive at the cusp of explosive global success in an enviable, and well-earned, position: total autonomy. It doesn’t really matter what you call their music – progressive bluegrass, alternative Americana, country, folk and western, what matters is that this is theirs, and people from all different backgrounds, beliefs, experiences, languages and ages love it. True blue right through, The Dead South don’t shy away from ruffling traditionalists’ feathers from time to time, as they flawlessly execute banjo rolls and lightning-fast mandolin tremolos, 3-part harmonies and songs of classic themes -murder ballads, disloyalty, ghosts and the like, all with a wink and a smile. As they continue their climb to the top, The Dead South have learned an important lesson: If you’re going to be outsiders, you’d better be great. Confirmed by the passion of their Dead South cosplaying fans, who go to concerts in the band’s signature look, this four-piece acoustic set from the middle of the Canadian prairies have found their people. Good Company, as they call themselves, is a global community of vastly dissimilar folks who might not see eye to eye, but who stand shoulder to shoulder at the gigs.
Superchunk
18+ Standing Room Only Show 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Following a series of worldwide tours celebrating the 30th anniversary of their landmark album Foolish in 2024, Superchunk’s return to the road is heralded by “Bruised Lung,” their first new song in over a year. Since releasing their first 7-inch in 1989, Superchunk have run the gamut of milestone albums: early punk rock stompers, polished mid-career masterpieces, and adventurous curveballs. “Bruised Lung” finds them as vital as ever, a scorching guitar anthem that at once recalls what has earned Superchunk their reverent following while looking forward to their future. “Bruised Lung” is elevated by Merge Records favorite Rosali on lead guitar and backing vocals. Catch Superchunk all over the country this fall.
The Baseball Project Featuring members of R.E.M. and The Dream Syndicate with The Minus 5
2025 Bell’s Beer Garden Summer Concert SeriesThis is a 18 and over event. 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian The Baseball Project are 5 friends who are veterans of the Alternative / Indie Rock scene (and who in fact helped create it), starting in the early 80’s. The band features members of R.E.M., The Dream Syndicate, The Minus 5, Young Fresh Fellows and Filthy Friends. These are just a FEW of the countless bands that Scott McCaughey, Steve Wynn, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Linda Pitmon perform in. They come together in this “supergroup” to focus on the fascinating stories that baseball spawns – character studies of both the heroic and the oddball variety. You don’t need to be a student of the game to dig them though – often times baseball is just a jumping off point for deeper stories of triumph or failure….or hilarity – all while playing their infectious and rockin’ brand of power pop/ jangle folk / Indie Rock that they do so well! The Baseball Project formed in 2007 when all 5 band members were attending a party for R.E.M.’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Steve and Linda were there as guests of Peter Buck but were only passing acquaintances of Scott, who was a touring member of R.E.M. At some point in the very wee hours of the party, McCaughey and Wynn found themselves leaning against the same bar and struck up a raucous conversation that ricocheted from music talk to baseball. They both confessed a longstanding and hitherto unrequited desire to write and record an entire album of songs that would dig deeper into the game and the psyche of the more eccentric characters that have played it. Linda (drummer in Steve’s band, The Miracle 3) wandered past and heard the promises being made to “maybe one day try to do it”. Being a huge baseball fan herself, she threw down a challenge to the pair to finally do it. They immediately set about writing and sharing tracks long distance (Steve and Linda live in NYC and Scott is in Portland, OR). Within a few weeks the trio of baseball fanatics with killer record collections had booked studio time at Jackpot Studios in Portland. After a couple of short writing and acoustic rehearsal sessions in Scott’s living room (Linda played a peach crate), they commenced recording and in 4 short days completed the 13 tracks that would soon become their first release, “Frozen Ropes and Dying Quails”.
Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all ages event. Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all ages event. Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
Kalamazoo Academy Of Rock
This is an all ages event. Kalamazoo Academy of Rock is back at Bell’s! These youth bands have been wow-ing audiences for years – come on down for a show like no other! For more information about KAR visit www.kzoorock.com
JON HAYES & THE COMPANY W/ DEERFIELD RUN & WRITER’S ROUND FEAT. Jack Droppers, Pete & Bergie and Carrie Mcferrin
18+ Standing Room Only Show | 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions have released 4 albums in the last 8 years. Jack Droppers is allergic to guinea pigs. Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions have won a couple of awards for their last 2 LPs, received praise from critics across the world, and been featured in NPR music’s Tiny Desk Contest recap. Jack Droppers often feels sad when his favorite basketball team loses. Jack Droppers & the Best Intentions have toured all over the United States and have shared the stage with many Billboard charting artists. Jack Droppers has crashed two cars. Jack Droppers will be performing solo for this show. Pete & Bergie is a husband-and-wife folk duo from Kalamazoo, Michigan, comprising Chris and Hannah Peters. They perform friendly folk songs, drawing influences from 1960s and 1970s folk artists like Peter, Paul & Mary, Simon and Garfunkel, and Bread. Their music features pleasant vocal harmonization and intricate finger-style guitar playing. They have released several EPs, including “Pieces of Work, Vol. 4” in April 2024, featuring songs like “Claira,” “Best Friend,” “Keep Me Humble,” and “Radio Flyer.” In addition to their studio recordings, Pete & Bergie have performed live at various venues and festivals. Carrie McFerrin has been through it all: love, heartbreak, joy, pain, motherhood, personal and professional struggles, and an upbringing in northern Indiana. But she survives, she thrives, she persists, and most importantly for us, she writes songs of the deepest empathy and depth of feeling, and delivers them to us with a husky Michigan twang. Kinda country, kinda indie folk, all original, never one thing but everything she needs to say. Michigan’s Sweetheart belongs to the world, to her two children, and to her own restless muse. Deerfield Run blends blues rock with a touch of country and a dash of funk, serving up a tasty musical blend that’s irresistible to audiences. Hailing from Grand Rapids, MI, the band delivers strong original songs and surprising covers pulled from a deep back pocket of classic tunes. As a group of seasoned West Michigan musicians with influences ranging from Al Green to Eric Clapton to the Eagles, their powerful instrumental and vocal performances captivate audiences of all ages. Their debut, self-titled album was released in September 2017, and the group released their new album, Reckless, in September 2020. Jon Hayes with his soulful tones and a storytelling ability reminiscent of Bon Iver and NEEDTOBREATHE, this musician carries an unwavering commitment to authenticity and honesty. His mixture of storytelling and song-craft has made him a favorite among locals and Jon’s candid nature and humor have put him on a circuit of performing everything from house concerts and listening rooms to local eateries and festivals. His first album, “Between You & Me,” was a work of intimate honesty with his listeners, which was received well by fans, supporters, bloggers, and playlists alike, but he’s now returning with his next work: “Something More”. This project pulls in more of Jon’s influences such as Allen Stone, Gavin Degraw and of course… more John Mayer! CD’s will be available for purchase so that you can take this project home with you long before streaming services gain access.
WHITE DENIM
This is a 18+ event with standing room only17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian White Denim is a freewheeling American rock and roll band formed in Austin, Texas in 2006. Over nearly 20 years and 13 albums the band has continued to energetically explore new territory, consistently delivering a musically sophisticated and inventive product both on record and on stage. James Petralli and his exceptional group put the music first. You will not see a better live band if you live to be a million.
THE SINATRAS ’40TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW’ wsgs BROKEN HEARTS ARE BLUE
This is a 18+ event with standing room only17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Summer of ‘85 – Battle Creek, MI’s Sinatras begin their run of scorching live sets at a hometown record store. Soon adopting stomping grounds in neighboring Kalamazoo, the band earn their high-energy stage reputation in Midwest venues stretching from St. Andrew’s to the Cubby Bear, to 7th Street Entry and beyond. Appearances on Chicago LP compilations It Came From Jay’s Garage and 20 Explosive Dynamic Super Smash Hit Explosions!, followed by vinyl, cassette, and digital releases through their Leppotone Electrical Recordings collective, expand the group’s cult following across the globe through the ‘90’s and beyond. Into the 21st century, bills shared with such diverse acts as Mission of Burma, ? and the Mysterians, and Kalamazoo punk pioneers the T-Snakes shake the senses of new and loyal audiences alike with fresh sounds and fan favorites. The Sinatras are proud to celebrate their 40th anniversary in concert at Bell’s Eccentric Cafe on August 9, 2025, following a rare live appearance by Kalamazoo’s native sons Broken Hearts Are Blue.
SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS
18+ Standing Room Only Show 17 and under admitted with a parent or guardian Southern Culture On The Skids has been consistently recording and touring around the world since 1983. The band (Rick Miller – guitar and vocals, Mary Huff – bass and vocals, Dave Hartman – drums) has been playing together for over 30 years. Their musical journey has taken them from all-night North Carolina house parties to late night TV talk shows (Conan O’Brien, The Tonight Show), from performing at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan to rockin’ out for the inmates at North Carolina correctional facilities. They’ve shared a stage with many musical luminaries including Link Wray, Loretta Lynn, Hasil Adkins and Patti Smith. Their music has been featured in movies and TV, parodied by Weird Al, and used to sell everything from diamonds to pork sausage. In 2014 the band was honored by the Southern Folklife Collection at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill with an exhibition featuring their music and cultural contributions. Their legendary live shows are a testament to the therapeutic powers of foot-stomping, butt-shaking rock and roll and what Rolling Stone dubbed “a hell raising rock and roll party.” At Home with Southern Culture on the Skids is the latest full length album from the band and was released in March of 2021. It was recorded during the stay at home period of the pandemic when the band was at home and not touring. The album consists of 11 tracks recorded and mixed in Rick Miller’s living room with some additional tracks recorded at his studio, The Kudzu Ranch. The first radio single off the album is “Run Baby Run”—a rocking number with deep garage roots. SCOTS bassist Mary Huff provides an urgent vocal while the band pulls back the throttle on a full race fuzz fest—cause she’s gotta to go fast! Run Baby Run! The other songs on the album are a combination of the band’s unique mix of musical genres: rock and roll, surf, folk and country—all a bit off-center, what Rick proudly calls “our wobbly Americana”. Rick goes on, “We put a few more acoustic guitars on this one, as you would expect if you recorded in your living room, but it still rocks like SCOTS. So put your headphones on, get in your favorite chair/sofa/recliner, put on “At Home With” and let’s hang out for a while.”
